Device cover for accessory attachment

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the technology relate to a cover (e.g., for a handheld electronic device). The cover may include a cover body configured for securement to a handheld electronic device and comprising an accessory attachment area, wherein the accessory attachment area includes a plurality of receivers, and wherein the accessory attachment area is configured for coupling with an accessory in at least one of a plurality of orientations. In some aspects, each receiver further includes a space recessed into the cover body that is bounded, at least partially, by a recess wall, wherein each receiver includes an engagement surface configured for abutting engagement with a projection associated with an accessory when the projection is disposed in a secured configuration within a respective space. An electrical device cover and various attachment devices are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of and claims the prioritybenefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/182,517, filed Jun. 14, 2016,now allowed. The prior U.S. application Ser. No. 15/182,517 claims thepriority benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/251,636, filedNov. 5, 2015 entitled “AN ACCESSORY AND A COVER WITH ATTACHMENT FUNCTIONFOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” as well as, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/281,743, filed Jan. 22, 2016, entitled “AN ACCESSORY AND A COVER WITHATTACHMENT FUNCTION FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE.” All applications areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The subject technology relates to a cover for a handheld electronicdevice and in particular, an attachment-enabled cover configured forcoupling with a variety of accessories.

2. Introduction

The proliferation of portable electronic devices has created a demandfor various types of protective covers and accessories. While someconventional device covers provide protective functionality (e.g., ifthe user drops the device or spills liquid on the device), they do notaugment the physical or electrical functionality of the enclosed device.

SUMMARY

This application describes various embodiments that relate to a system,method, and apparatus for releasably attaching an accessory to a coverfor an electronic device.

This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplatedembodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or criticalelements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or allembodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or moreembodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later. Any “embodiment” may also beconsidered simply an example of a concept or a combination of individualconcepts that may be mixed and matched in any manner. Thus, any featurefrom one described embodiment may be used and combined with any otherdescribed embodiment.

In one aspect, the concepts disclosed herein relate to a cover for ahandheld electronic device. The cover is configured to couple with anaccessory for the handheld electronic device. The cover may include acover body having an attachment area, the attachment area including aplurality of receivers, and wherein each respective receiver of theplurality of receivers is formed or defined by a space recessed into thecover body that is bounded, at least partially, by a recess wall. Insome aspects, the attachment area has a first position at which theaccessory is coupleable to the cover body via a first set of receiversof the plurality of receivers and a second position at which theaccessory is coupleable to the cover body via a second set of receiversof the plurality of receivers. The first set of receivers may include atleast one receiver different from the second set of receivers.

In another aspect, the concepts disclosed herein relate to a coverassembly for a handheld electronic device, the cover assembly includinga cover body including an attachment area, the attachment area having aplurality of receivers. Each respective receiver of the plurality ofreceivers may include a space recessed into the cover body that isbounded, at least partially, by a recess wall. In some aspects, thecover assembly may further include an accessory having a plurality ofprojections, the accessory configured to be coupled to the attachmentarea at a first position via a first set of receivers of the pluralityof receivers and a first set of projections of the plurality ofprojections. The accessory may be further configured to be coupled tothe attachment area at a second position via a second set of receiversof the plurality of receivers and a second set of projections of theplurality of projections, and wherein the first set of receiverscomprises at least one receiver different from the second set ofreceivers.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a cover system including acover body configured to be attached to a handheld electronic device,the cover body including an attachment area, the attachment area havinga plurality of receivers. Each respective receiver of the plurality ofreceivers may include a space recessed into the cover body that isbounded, at least partially, by a recess wall. In some aspects, thecover system may further include an accessory including a plurality ofprojections, wherein the accessory is configured to be coupled to theattachment area at a first position via a first set of receivers and afirst set of projections, and wherein the accessory is furtherconfigured to be coupled to the attachment area at a second position viaa second set of receivers and a second set of projections. The first setof receivers may include at least one receiver different from the secondset of receivers.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to an accessory for ahandheld electronic device, the handheld electronic device configuredfor coupling with a cover, the cover having a plurality of receivers.The accessory may include a plurality of projections arranged in apattern corresponding to an arrangement of the plurality of receivers.The plurality of projections may be configured to facilitate a couplingwith the cover at a first position via a first set of receivers, andwherein the plurality of projections is further configured to facilitatea coupling with the cover at a second position via a second set ofreceivers. The first set of receivers may include at least one receiverdifferent from the second set of receivers.

In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a handheld electronic devicecover, the cover including a cover body configured for securement to ahandheld electronic device and having an accessory attachment area, theaccessory attachment area including a plurality of receiver. Theaccessory attachment area may be configured for coupling with anaccessory in at least one of a plurality of orientations. In someaspects, each receiver includes a space recessed into the cover bodythat is bounded, at least partially, by a recess wall, and each receiverincludes an engagement surface configured for abutting engagement with aprojection associated with an accessory when the projection is disposedin a secured configuration within a respective space.

In some aspects, the plurality of receivers is arranged in a matrix ofrows and columns.

In some aspects, the accessory is configured to engage one or morereceivers in the matrix. The accessory may be configured to engage eachof the receivers in the matrix. The accessory may also be configured toengage each receiver along a perimeter of the matrix. The projection maybe substantially circular and has a protrusion configured to engage theengagement surface. In some aspects, the projection is formed by two ormore substantially equal portions. The projection may also be formed bytwo substantially semicircular portions. In some aspects, the projectionis formed by three substantially equal portions. The protrusion mayextend from one or more of the substantially equal portions. In someaspects, the projection has a substantially hollow center portionconfigured to receive a secure pin. One projection may be configured tobe received in two adjacent receivers. The cover body may have a secondlayer disposed over the accessory attachment area; the second layerhaving a plurality of apertures formed therein corresponding to theplurality of receivers.

In some aspects, the second layer is slidably coupled with the coverbody, and the second layer is configured for sliding into alignment withthe plurality of apertures and the plurality of receivers allowingengagement of the projections with the receivers. In some aspects, thesecond layer is biased toward partial alignment between the plurality ofapertures and the plurality of receivers. The projection may have asubstantially hollow center portion and is formed from a rigid material.In some aspects, the projection is formed from a deformable material.The projection may have a center portion formed of a rigid material, andthe deformable material disposed around the rigid material. In someaspects, the rigid material has a substantially hollow center.

In another aspect of the technology, the cover includes a cover bodyconfigured for securement to a handheld electronic device and includingan accessory attachment area, the accessory attachment area including aplurality of receivers. The accessory attachment area may be configuredfor coupling with a plurality of device accessories. In some aspects,each receiver includes a space recessed into the cover body that isbounded, at least partially, by a recess wall, and each receiverincludes an engagement surface configured for abutting engagement with aprojection associated with an accessory when the projection is disposedin a secured configuration within a respective space.

In some aspects, the accessory attachment area is configured forcoupling with a kickstand, the kickstand transitionable between anextended position extending away from the accessory attachment area andan unextended position substantially flush with the accessory attachmentarea. In some aspects, the accessory attachment area is configured forcoupling with a bicycle mount. The bicycle mount may be configured forcoupling with a handle of the bicycle. In some aspects, the accessoryattachment area is configured for coupling with a pivotal cover. Thepivotal cover may be transitionable between an open position having thepivotal cover disposed away from a top surface of the cover body and aclosed position having the pivotal cover disposed over the top surface.

In some aspects, the accessory attachment area is configured forcoupling with an adjustable mount configured to secure the cover body toan object, allowing the cover body to be adjusted in angle andorientation while mounted to the object. In other aspects, the accessoryattachment area is configured for mounting with a suction mount.

In some aspects, the technology relates to a handheld electronic devicecover, the cover including a cover body configured for securement to ahandheld electronic device and including an accessory attachment area.The accessory attachment area may include a plurality of receivers, andwherein the accessory attachment area is configured for concurrentlycoupling with a plurality of device accessories. Each receiver mayinclude a space recessed into the cover body that is bounded, at leastpartially, by a recess wall. In some aspects, each receiver includes anengagement surface configured for abutting engagement with a projectionassociated with an accessory when the projection is disposed in asecured configuration within a respective space.

In some aspects, the subject technology relates to a securement devicefor releasably coupling an accessory to a handheld electronic devicecover, the securement device including a plurality of elongateprojections, wherein each projection of the plurality of elongateprojections is transitionable between a secured configuration and areleased configuration within a respective space recessed into ahandheld electronic device cover. Each elongate projection may have aprotrusion including an interference surface abuttingly engageable witha receiver in the secured configuration.

In some aspects, the protrusion is substantially circular and has aninterface surface disposed around the diameter of the protrusion. Insome aspects, the projection is formed by two or more protrusions ofsubstantially equal size. The projection may be formed by twosubstantially semicircular protrusion portions. In some aspects, theprojection is formed by four protrusion portions of substantially equalsize.

In some aspects, the projection has a substantially hollow centerportion configured to receive a secure pin. The secure pin may preventtransitioning the projection between the secured configuration and thereleased configuration.

In yet another aspect, the subject technology relates to a device cover,including a cover body configured for mechanical securement to anelectronic device and including an accessory attachment area, whereinthe accessory attachment area is configured for coupling with at leastone accessory. An electrical connector may be configured for couplingwith a power port of the electronic device. In some embodiments, theelectrical connector is configured to facilitate power transfer betweenthe electronic device and one or more device accessories coupled to theaccessory attachment area.

In some aspects, the electrical connector is further configured tofacilitate data transfer between the electronic device and the one ormore device accessories. The accessory attachment area may include aplurality of receivers configured for facilitating a coupling betweenthe accessory attachment area and the at least one accessory. In someaspects, at least one of the receivers comprises a plurality of firstelectrical contacts coupled with the electrical connector, wherein thefirst electrical contacts facilitate power transfer between theelectronic device and the one or more device accessories. The subjecttechnology may include a plurality of second electrical contacts coupledwith the electrical connector, wherein the second electrical contactsfacilitate data transfer between the electronic device and the one ormore device accessories.

In another aspect, the subject technology relates to a device coverincluding an accessory attachment area that includes a first row ofreceivers and a second row of receivers, and wherein each receiver fromamong the first row of receivers includes a plurality of firstelectrical contacts coupled with the electrical connector, and whereinthe first electrical contacts facilitate power transfer between theelectronic device and the one or more device accessories. In someaspects, each receiver from among the second row of receivers includes aplurality of second electrical contacts couple with the electricalconnector, wherein the second electrical contacts facilitate datatransfer between the electronic device and the one or more accessories.

In some aspects, each receiver includes a space recessed into the coverbody that is bounded, at least partially, by a recess wall. Eachreceiver may include an engagement surface configured for abuttingengagement with a projection associated with an accessory when theprojection is disposed in a secured configuration within a respectivespace. In some aspects, the electrical connector comprises a pogo pinconnector. In some aspects, the electrical connector comprises aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connector. In some aspects, the accessoryattachment area is further configured for coupling with an accessory inat least one of a plurality of orientations.

In some aspects, a cover body of the subject technology includes a firstlayer and a second layer, the cover body configured for securement to anelectronic device, and wherein the cover body comprises an accessoryattachment area configured for coupling with a plurality of deviceaccessories. An electrical connector may be configured for coupling witha power port of the electronic device, and wherein the electricalconnector is configured to facilitate power transfer between theelectronic device and one or more device accessories coupled to theaccessory attachment area.

In some aspects, the electrical connector is further configured tofacilitate data transfer between the electronic device and at least oneof the plurality of accessories. In some aspects, the first layer andthe second layer are configured to form a plurality of receivers withinthe accessory attachment area, and wherein each of the receivers isconfigured for facilitating a coupling between the accessory attachmentarea and the at least one accessory.

In some aspects, at least one of the receivers includes a plurality offirst electrical contacts disposed within the first layer, and whereinthe first electrical contacts are coupled with the electrical connectorand configured to facilitate power transfer between the electronicdevice and the one or more device accessories. In some aspects, at leastone of the receivers includes a plurality of second electrical contactsdisposed within the second layer, and wherein the second electricalcontacts are coupled with the electrical connector and configured tofacilitate data transfer between the electronic device and the one ormore device accessories. Each receiver may include a space recessed intothe cover body that is bounded, at least partially, by a recess wall.Each receiver includes an engagement surface configured for abuttingengagement with a projection associated with an accessory when theprojection is disposed in a secured configuration within a respectivespace. In some aspects, the electrical connector comprises a pogo pinconnector. In some aspects, the electrical connector comprises aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The accessory attachment area maybe further configured for coupling with an accessory in at least one ofa plurality of orientations.

In another aspect, the subject technology relates to a cover bodyconfigured for securement to an electronic device, wherein the coverbody includes an accessory attachment area configured for coupling witha plurality of device accessories, and an electrical connectorconfigured for coupling with a power port of the electronic device. Insome aspects, the electrical connector may be configured to facilitatean electrical coupling between the electronic device and at least oneaccessory mechanically coupled to the accessory attachment area.

In another aspect, the subject technology relates to a securement devicefor releasably coupling an accessory to a handheld electronic devicecover, the securement device including a plurality of elongateprojections. Each projection may be transitionable between a securingconfiguration and a released configuration within a respective spacerecessed into a handheld electronic device cover. At least one elongateprojection may include a plurality of electrical contacts forelectrically coupling the accessory with an electrical connector of thehandheld electronic device cover.

In some aspects, the plurality of contacts is configured forfacilitating power transfer between the cover and the accessory. In someaspects, the plurality of contacts may be configured for facilitatingdata transfer between the cover and the accessory. In some aspects, thetwo or more electrical contacts are configured for facilitating powertransfer between the cover and the accessory. The accessory may includean energy storage device, and wherein at least two of the plurality ofelectrical contacts are configured for facilitating power transfer fromthe energy storage device to a handheld electronic device via the coverand the accessory.

In some aspects, each elongate projection includes an interferencesurface abuttingly engageable with a receiver located within arespective space of the cover in the securing configuration. In someaspects, each of the projections is transitionable between a securingconfiguration and a released configuration within a respective spacerecessed into a handheld electronic device cover. At least one elongateprojection may include a plurality of electrical contacts forelectrically coupling the accessory with an electrical connector of thehandheld electronic device cover.

In some aspects, at least one elongate projection may include one ormore electrical contacts configured for electrically coupling with firstelectrical contacts disposed within a first layer of the handheldelectronic device cover. In some aspects, the first electrical contactsare configured for facilitating power transfer between the accessory andthe handheld electronic device via the first layer of the handheldelectronic device cover. In some aspects, at least one elongateprojection may include one or more electrical contacts configured forelectrically coupling with second electrical contacts disposed within asecond layer of the handheld electronic device cover. In some aspects,the second electrical contacts are configured for facilitating datatransfer between the accessory and the handheld electronic device viathe second layer of the handheld electronic device cover. In someaspects, at least one elongate projection comprises a plurality ofelectrical contacts configured for providing power and data to thehandheld electronic device.

To those skilled in the art from the following detailed description,various configurations of the subject technology are shown and describedby way of illustration. The subject technology is capable of other anddifferent configurations and its several details are capable ofmodification in various respects without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Accordingly, the detailed description and drawingsare to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, the accompanying drawings, which are included toprovide further understanding, illustrate disclosed aspects and togetherwith the description serve to explain the principles of the subjecttechnology. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example environment of a cover in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a back-side view of a cover in accordance with FIG.1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back-side view of a cover configured to enclose ahost electronic device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side-view of a cover, according to some aspects ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a cover used with a device mount,according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a cover used with a kickstandattachment device, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a back-side view of a deployed kickstand attachment,as attached to the cover.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top-side view of a cover in a flip-coverimplementation, according to some aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom-side view of the cover in the flip-coverimplementation, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an interior perspective view of a cover, according tosome aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cut away perspective of receivers embedded in acover, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a coupling of a projection and a receiver, accordingto some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A illustrates a coupling of various projections withcorresponding receivers, according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12B illustrates an accessory may be coupled to a cover at variouspositions.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate various arrangements of projections inaccordance with some aspects of the technology.

FIG. 16 illustrates a first example of a projection in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a second example of a projection in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a third example of a projection in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a fourth example of a projection in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a fifth example of a projection in accordance withthe present technology.

FIG. 21 illustrates a first example of an engagement between aprojection and an engagement surface, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a second example of an engagement between aprojection and an engagement surface, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a third example of an engagement between aprojection and an engagement surface, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates a fourth example of an engagement between aprojection and an engagement surface, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate various examples of projections, in accordancewith some aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate examples of a secure pin implementation,according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a projection configured for mechanicalcoupling with an engagement surface inside a receiver, according to someimplementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 32 conceptually illustrates an example of a release mechanismattaching one or more projections with corresponding receivers,according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a cross-section view of an example of a release mechanismattaching one or more projections with corresponding receivers in asecured, coupled position.

FIG. 34 is a cross-section view of an example of a release mechanismattaching one or more projections with corresponding receivers in anunsecured, coupled position.

FIG. 35 is a cross-section view of an example of a release mechanismconfigured for attaching one or more projections with one or morecorresponding receivers in an unsecured, decoupled position.

FIG. 36 conceptually illustrates an example sliding release mechanism ina secured position, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 37 conceptually illustrates an example sliding release mechanism inan unsecured position, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 38 conceptually illustrates an example sliding release mechanism ina secured position, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an example sliding release mechanism ina secured position, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 40 illustrates a top down view of an example release mechanismhaving two or more second layers.

FIGS. 41A and 41B illustrate examples of a lock mechanism in anunsecured position, and a secured position, respectively.

FIG. 42 illustrates a rotatable locking mechanism securing a projectionwithin a receiver of a cover, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 43 is a cross-section view of a rotatable lock mechanism securing aprojection within a receiver of a cover, according to some aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a cross-section view of a rotatable lock mechanism in anunsecured position, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a top down view of an example rotatable lock mechanism in anunsecured position, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 46 illustrates a side perspective view of a lockable and releasableprojection disposed within a receiver, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 47 illustrates a top perspective view of a lockable and releasableprojection disposed within a receiver, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 48 is an exploded view of a slidable coupling between an accessorycover and a cover, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 49 is an assembled view of a slidable coupling between an accessorycover and a cover, according to some aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a cross-section view of the slidable coupling between anaccessory cover and a cover, according to some aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 51 illustrates an example projection, according to some aspects ofthe disclosure.

FIGS. 52A and 52B illustrate an example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device.

FIGS. 53A-53C illustrate another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device.

FIGS. 54A-54C illustrate another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device.

FIGS. 55A and 55B illustrate an example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to an accessory.

FIGS. 56A-56D illustrate another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to an accessory.

FIGS. 57A-57C illustrate another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to an accessory.

FIG. 58 illustrates a cross section of an accessory mechanically andelectrically coupled to a cover.

FIG. 59 illustrates a cross section of another example of an accessorymechanically and electronically coupled to a cover.

FIG. 60 illustrates a cross section of another example of an accessorymechanically and electronically coupled to a cover

FIG. 61 illustrates an accessory mechanically and electrically coupledto a cover

FIG. 62A-62C illustrate an example of a selfie stick accessoryconfigured for coupling with a handheld electronic device cover,according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 63 illustrates an example cover coupled with an octopus grip,according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 64 illustrates an automobile attachment stand configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a cover.

FIGS. 65A-65C illustrate an accessory controller configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic devicecover.

FIG. 66 illustrates an accessory camera controller mechanically andelectrically coupled to a cover.

FIGS. 67A and 67B illustrate an accessory card keeper configured to becoupled with a cover.

FIGS. 68A and 68B illustrate an accessory arm band configured to becoupled with a cover.

FIGS. 69A and 69B illustrate an accessory electrical chargermechanically and electrically coupled to a cover.

FIG. 70 illustrates multiple accessories electrically and mechanicallycoupled to a cover.

FIG. 71 illustrates a handheld electronic device mechanically andelectrically coupled to a wireless charging accessory.

FIG. 72 illustrates a handheld electronic device mechanically andelectrically coupled to a speaker accessory.

FIG. 73 illustrates an example ear bud holder accessory configured forcoupling with a cover, according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 74A and 74B illustrate a handheld electronic device mechanicallyand electrically coupled to a keyboard accessory.

FIG. 75 illustrates an example lanyard accessory configured for couplingwith a cover, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 76A and 76B illustrate an example suction cup arrangementaccessory configured for coupling with a cover, according to someaspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 77A and 77B illustrate an example shock protection accessoryconfigured for coupling with a cover, according to some aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 78 illustrates functional buttons mechanically and electricallycoupled to a cover.

FIG. 79 illustrates a secondary display accessory mechanically andelectronically coupled to a handheld electronic device.

FIG. 80 illustrates a stylus mechanically and electrically coupled to ahandheld electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, “mobile device,” “portable electronic device,” and“handheld electronic device” (i.e., handheld device) may refer tovarious types of portable processor-based devices, including but notlimited to: notebook computers, digital assistants (e.g., personaldigital assistants or ‘PDAs’), media players (e.g., MP3 players), mobiletelephones, smart phones, mobile game players, digital cameras, portablerecorders, tablet computers, portable e-ink readers, all-in-one portablecomputers, and/or portable television/s, etc.

As discussed above, conventional device covers provide a protectivebarrier between an external surface of the enclosed electronic deviceand the surrounding environment. In some instances, conventional devicecovers utilize protective films or plastic wrappers, for example, toprovide protection to a display, or provide matting or anti-glarefeatures. Conventional device covers may also provide plugs or coveringfor device inputs (e.g., touch-displays, actuatable buttons, or scrollwheels, etc.). However, such conventional device covers provide littlebeyond physical protection of the enclosed host device. For example,conventional covers do nothing to expand the mechanical utility and/orelectrical functionality of the enclosed device.

Aspects of the subject technology address the above limitations byproviding device covers and accessories that expand devicefunctionality.

Cover/Attach Cover/Mechanical Cover:

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a cover (e.g., “aprotective cover,” “a back cover,” “mechanical cover,” “a handheldelectronic device cover,” “attach cover,” or “device cover”) configuredto facilitate the attachment of various accessories. Attachableaccessories (e.g., “accessory device,” “accessories,” “deviceaccessories,” “attachment accessory,” or “accessory attachments”) may beused to expand the utility of the corresponding mobile device. The covermay include a surface (e.g., an accessory attachment area) on which thevarious device accessories may be coupled. The accessory attachment areamay include an arrangement of connection points (e.g., catch receiversor receivers) that facilitate the mechanical coupling of the cover withvarious accessories. Although the number and configuration ofaccessories may vary, the cover may be configured to support theattachment of a single accessory, or the simultaneous attachment of twoor more accessories.

It is understood that the cover may be constructed of various materials,or a combination of materials, including but not limited to: plastics,thermoplastics, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycarbonate,polyvinyl carbonate (PVC), and/or silicon, etc. The cover may be formedfrom a variety of materials including, for example, but not limited tosoft, hard, rigid, flexible, compliant, etc. Some examples of materialtypes include but are not limited to paper, plastic, metal, rubber,silicone, fabric, foams, leather, ceramics, films, and the like. Thematerial generally depends on the desired needs of the outer covering.It should be appreciated that the outer covering is not limited to asingle material and may include a combination of materials. The exactcombination may depend on the needs of the outer covering. Examples oftrade-offs include rigid/flexible, soft/hard, soft1/soft2,plastic/metal, silicon/plastic, etc. In one particular embodiment, theouter covering is formed from flexible and/or compliant materials suchas rubber, silicone, fabrics (e.g., neoprene), and various films.Additionally, the cover may be constructed as a contiguous structure, ormay function as a coupling of two or more separate but attachableportions. As discussed in further detail below, the cover may alsoinclude one or more layers, for example, that are fitted together toform one or more receivers, including a space recessed into the coverbody, and that is configured to receive at least one projectionassociated with attaching an accessory.

In some aspects discussed herein, the cover is configured to enclose anassociated handheld device (e.g., a smartphone) through the abutment ofone or more edges of the cover with one or more edges of the encloseddevice. However, it is understood that other coupling methods may beemployed without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Forexample, a cover may be coupled to or around an electronic devicethrough the use of friction coupling, i.e., whereby contact one or morecover surfaces create a frictional interference with one or moresurfaces of the respective device. The contact may be a point, line orarea contact so that the cover is coupled with the electronic device.

Accessory/Mechanical Accessories/Mechanical Device Accessories:

Aspects of the technology also relate to an accessory with a securementdevice for coupling an accessory to the cover. The securement device maybe a plurality of projections. In some aspects, the device accessory isfastened to the securement device. In turn, coupling the accessory tothe cover is accomplished by attaching the securement device with thecover, e.g., using one or more elongate projections as securement deviceconfigured for insertion into a respective receiver in the cover. Insome aspects, mating of a projection into a respective receiver (i.e., aspace of a receiver) may be controlled using a release button of thesecurement device.

As discussed in further detail below, various device accessories (e.g.,a “kickstand,” “bike mount,” or “selfie-stick,” etc.), may be attachedto the cover to expand device utility, for example, by securing thedevice to various surfaces, and/or by appending useful devices.

Cover/Electrical Cover/Electrical Attach Cover:

Other aspects of the technology relate to a cover that may be anelectrical cover (e.g., “electrical cover,” “attachable electricalcover,”) configured to facilitate a transfer of power and/or databetween an enclosed device and one or more accessories. The electricalcover may include a cover body configured for securement to anelectronic device (e.g., an electronic accessory), as well as anelectrical connector configured for coupling with a power port of thehost electronic device.

Depending on implementation, the electrical connector may be a flexiblewire or bus that may be plugged into a power/data port of the hostdevice, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Alternatively theelectrical connector may include a rigid plug that is integrated intothe cover body and configured for insertion into the power/data port,for example, upon securement of the cover to the host device.

As discussed in further detail below, the electrical attach cover isconfigured to facilitate power transfer between an electronic deviceenclosed by the electrical attach cover, and a device accessory, thuspermitting a communicative coupling with a variety of electronic deviceaccessories, including but not limited to: batteries, various datastorage device/s, and/or wireless radios, etc.

Accessories/Electrical Accessories/Electrical Device Accessories:

Some aspects of the technology relate to accessories/electricalaccessories/electrical device accessories configured for expanding theelectronic and/or information processing capabilities of a host deviceenclosed by the cover. Depending on the desired implementation, theelectrical accessories may be electrically and mechanically coupled withthe cover, e.g., via electrical contacts disposed on one or more of theprojections.

As discussed in further detail below, electrical device/accessories mayinclude one or more power storage devices, memory devices, USBcommunication devices and/or wireless communication devices, such asBluetooth® radios, WiFi, Wi-Fi direct devices, etc.

It will be appreciated that the disclosed systems and methods are novel,as are applications thereof of the components, systems, methods, and/oralgorithms employed and included therein. It should be appreciated thatembodiments of the presently described inventive body of work may beimplemented in numerous ways, including as processes, apparatus,systems, devices, methods, computer readable media, computationalalgorithms, embedded or distributed software and/or as a combinationthereof. Several illustrative embodiments are described below.

FIG. 1A shows example environment 100, including a cover 106 inaccordance with the present disclosure. Environment 100 furtherillustrates a mobile device 102, and a bicycle handlebar 104. Asdepicted, the mobile device 102 is at least partially enclosed by thecover 106, as well as including accessory attachment (not shown) tofacilitate coupling with the bicycle handlebar 104.

FIG. 1B shows a back (or rear) isometric view of the cover 106 having ahandlebar attachment accessory 108. As illustrated, the back side of thecover 106 is a surface of the cover 106 that is opposite to an insidesurface (not shown) of the cover that would contact the enclosedelectronic device.

The handlebar attachment accessory 108 may have a strap receiving slot110 configured to receive a strap disposed around the handlebars 104 orany other tubular member. In some aspects, the handlebar attachmentaccessory 108 may also have a concave or contoured surface 112, forexample, to facilitate a secure engagement with a tubular member, suchas the handlebars 104.

The cover 106 (shown in FIG. 2 as the cover body 200), provides anaccessory attachment area 114 providing coupling with one or moreaccessories. As may be appreciated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cover 106 maybe coupled with various accessories, such as a mount for receiving thebicycle handlebar 104, thereby securing the mobile device 102 to thebicycle handlebar 104.

While the illustrated embodiment is drawn to the bicycle handlebar 104,it is within the scope of this disclosure for the cover 106 to bemounted to other objects or surfaces including, but not limited to:motor vehicles (e.g., a vehicle dash, vehicle windshield), clothing oraccessories (e.g., a backpack, shoulder strap), surfboards, arm bands,carabineers, attachment of a stylus or pen, etc.

The cover 106 may be configured to cover a portion of one or moreexternal surfaces of the mobile device 102 for ornamental and/orprotective purposes. Additionally, the cover 106 can be configured toact as an electronic accessory to the mobile device 102, i.e., asupplementary system that improves the functional capabilities of themobile device 102. In most cases, the cover 106 is a distinct element,which is not part of the originally designed mobile device 102. Instead,the cover 106 is an add-on or an accoutrement of the mobile device 102.The cover 106 may be configured to help protect the mobile device 102(i.e., it may serve as an armor or shock protection that helps preventstructural and/or surface damage to the mobile device 102). Additionallyor alternatively, the cover 106 may provide ornamentation to the mobiledevice 102 (i.e., it may help define the overall ornamental appearanceof the electronic device). The cover 106 can also permit personalizedornamentation. The cover 106 may also provide tactility in order toimprove the feel and grip to the mobile device 102.

The cover 106 can at least partially conforms to the outer shape of themobile device 102. For example, by providing an internal shape/innersurface and/or being flexible enough to follow the contour of the mobiledevice 102. The external shape of the outer covering may be widelyvaried. It may be designed for ornamental, protection, and/or ergonomicreasons. Generally, however, tends to follow the general shape of themobile device 102.

The cover 106 may for example be laid, set, wrapped, spread upon, aboutor over a portion of the mobile device 102. The mobile device 102 mayinclude a front cover and a back cover defining the front and backsurfaces, respectively, of mobile device 102. The front cover may have adisplay for displaying image and the back side is a side that is facingdifferent direction than the front side with the display. The front andback cover may toward opposite or different direction. The cover 106 maybe configured to cover a surface of the mobile device 102 including aportion of a single side, multiple sides, and/or all sides of the mobiledevice 102. For example, the cover 106 may be a film/layer/cover that isapplied to a single surface of the mobile device 102 (e.g., a portion orall of the back side).

The cover 106 may also be a flexible covering that includes a cavity forreceiving the mobile device 102 or a flexible covering thatwraps/stretches around some portion of the mobile device 102. The outercovering may be referred to (among others) as a case, shield, container,jacket, vest, skin, protector, and the like of the mobile device 102.

The cover 106 generally includes a body or member that couples to themobile device 102. The body or member may also be removable ordetachable from the mobile device 102. The body or member 202 may becarried by the mobile device 102, but is not part of the mobile device102. The configuration of the body or member may be widely varied, butis typically configured to cover the outer surface(s) of the mobiledevice 102. The body or member 202 may be universal in its application(not specific to a particular device) or it may be dedicated to aparticular device. In either case, the body or member can be configuredto follow the outer contour or shape of the surfaces of the mobiledevice 102. In one example, the body or member forms a surface layerthat attaches to the outer surface of the mobile device 102. In anotherexample, the body or member forms an enclosure that includes surfaces(e.g., walls) that surround the outer surfaces of the mobile device 102.

The cover 106 may be adhered to or around the mobile device 102 using avariety of techniques including but not limited to: adhesive, friction,static, elasticity, suction, fasteners, snaps, connectors, and the like.In some examples, the cover 106 forms an enclosure that includes a void,cavity, opening, pocket or compartment for receiving a mobile device 102therein (i.e., the mobile device 102 can be placed into the void). Inanother example, the cover 106 may be press fit onto the mobile device102. In yet other examples, the cover 106 is a surface (e.g., platform,film) that is attached to a surface of the mobile device 102 (e.g.,adhesive backed surface or surface with static electricity properties ora surface with suction cups). In yet other examples, the cover 106 isstretched around the mobile device 102 (e.g., the outer covering isflexible and conforms to the outer shape of the mobile device 102). Inother examples, the cover 106 may trap or surround the mobile device 102between multiple sections (i.e., lower and upper half). In accordancewith one embodiment, the cover 106 may be formed from a soft, flexibleand/or compliant material that can be wrapped around the varioussurfaces of the mobile device 102. For example, the material may allowthe covering to stretch over the mobile device 102 (e.g., form fitting).By way of example, the cover 106 may be formed from a stretchablematerial that includes a small opening that can be stretched toaccommodate the larger mobile device 102 as it is inserted into thecover's 106 outer covering.

Once the mobile device 102 is inserted, the material conforms to theshape of the mobile device 102, which provides a tight fit around thesurfaces of the mobile device 102. The cover 106 may, for example,surround multiple side surfaces if not all of the side surfaces of themobile device 102. In one particular example, the material may besilicone. These types of coverings are sometimes referred to as “skins”as they create a new outer layer analogous to skin.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a cover body 200 including a plurality of receivers202 disposed on an accessory attachment area 204. The accessoryattachment area 204 may be an outer back surface of the cover body 200.The receivers 202 may be arranged in a matrix (or lattice configuration)of rows and columns, wherein each of the individual receivers areseparated in a regular spacing pattern. The receivers 202 may also beconfigured in a random distribution, or an isle or artwork. As discussedin further detail below, each receiver of a plurality receivers 202 mayreceive a projection (shown in FIGS. 5, 11, and 12), thereby couplingthe cover body 200 with a device accessory. The cover body may comprisea base and at least one sidewall extending away from the base, the atleast one sidewall being shaped to substantially conform to a handheldelectronic device and the at least one sidewall comprising theattachment area with the plurality of receivers. The receivers may bearranged in 2 dimensional lattice such as bravais lattice, rhombiclattice, hexagonal lattice, parallelogrammic lattice or rectangularlattice. As for the shape of the receiver, the shape may be square,circular, rectangular, honey comb, or any kind of polygon.

It is appreciated that receivers 202 on the cover body 200 may bearranged in other patterns (e.g., not a matrix or lattice pattern). Forexample, the receivers 202 may be irregularly spaced, without departingfrom the scope of the subject technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a mounted device cover 400. In theimplementation of FIG. 4, a cover body 200 is mounted to support 404 viaan adjustable mount 402. The adjustable mount 402 may be coupled withthe cover body 200 with one or more projections engaged with one or morereceivers 202 disposed on an accessory attachment area 204.

The mounted device cover 400 may allow 360-degree movement of the coverbody 200 relative to support 404 via the adjustable mount 402. Theadjustable mount 402 allows a user to adjust the positioning of thecover body 200 to a preferred orientation.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a cover 500 configured to couple with akickstand accessory 504. The cover 500 includes a cover body 200configurable with the kickstand accessory 504. The kickstand accessory504 includes at least one projection 502 configured to be received inone or more receiver 202. The kickstand may have a first end and asecond end. The plurality of projections 502 is placed on the first endfor attaching the kickstand on the cover 200. The second end may beextended away from the cover 200 to form a supporting structure via theplurality of receivers and the plurality of projections for the handheldelectronic device and the cover 200. The kickstand accessory 504 may becoupled at any desired orientation to support the cover 500 in aportrait position, a landscape position, or any position therebetween.

FIG. 6 shows an assembled view of a cover 500 coupled with the kickstandaccessory 504. A projection 502 is received in one of receivers 202 onan accessory attachment area 204 of a cover body 200. The kickstandaccessory 504 may be transitioned to extend away from the cover body 200(as shown) and support the cover 500, or be transitioned substantiallyflush against the cover body 200 (as shown in FIG. 5). The kickstandaccessory 504 may be substantially flush against the cover body 200 whennot in use to reduce the profile of the cover 500. As used herein,‘substantially flush’ may refer to a configuration whereby the kickstandaccessory 504 is positioned adjacent to the accessory along the entiretyof a contacting surface of the kickstand accessory 504.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a handheld electronic device 700having flip cover 702. The flip cover 702 has a cover portion and acoupling portion. The cover portion of the flip cover 702 as showed inthe FIG. 7 with arrow showing 702 covers at least a portion of the frontsurface of an electronic device, such as a surface of the electronicdevice that includes a display. The coupling portion as showed in theFIG. 8 with the arrow showing 702 is coupled to the cover via thereceivers 202 on the cover body 200. The flip cover 702 may betransparent or semitransparent so that information such as time, batterylife, incoming call information, music information, camera interface maybe projected through the flip cover 702. The flip cover 702 may have oneor more apertures 704 therein to provide access to predetermined screenfeatures, such as time, battery life, incoming call information, etc. Inat least one embodiment, an apertures 704 formed in the flip cover 702include a clear viewing surface such as glass, plastic, acrylic, or thelike.

FIG. 8 shows a rear isometric view of a handheld electronic device 700having a flip cover 702. In the illustration of FIG. 8 the flip cover702 also covers a portion of a back surface of the electronic device,e.g., a surface that is opposite the front surface containing thedisplay, as indicated above with respect to FIG. 7. The flip cover 702may be coupled with the cover body 200 via the coupling portion and thereceivers around an edge of the cover body 200.

FIG. 9 shows an interior view of a cover body 200. The cover body 200has receivers 202 formed therein. The receivers 202 may be formed in amatrix of rows and columns (e.g., a lattice pattern) allowing adevice/accessories to be coupled with the cover body 200 at one or morelocations, positions, and/or orientations. While a lattice pattern isshown, any pattern or even a random distribution of receivers 202 mayalso be applied.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of one of the receivers 202. The receiver1002 may have a space recessed into a cover body that is bounded, atleast partially, by a recess wall 1004. The receiver 1002 includes anengagement surface 1006 configured for forming an abutting engagementwith a projection associated with an accessory (e.g., kickstandaccessory 504). While a circular receiver 1002 shape is shown in FIG.10, the shape of the receiver 1002 may be square, rectangle, triangle,octagon, irregular, and so forth. The particular shape of the receiver1002 may vary. The receiver may be a through hole, blind hole, interruptholes, taper hole, taper holes with different taper angles at differentsection of the receiver. The arrangement of the receivers may becombination of the different type of holes.

FIG. 11 shows example an environment 1100 illustrating an engagementbetween a projection 1104 and a receiver 1110. As illustrated, thereceiver 1110 is formed by a space recessed into the cover body that isbounded, at least partially, by a recess wall that includes anengagement surface 1108. In the illustrated example, the projection 1104includes elongate mechanisms or member 1102 and protrusions 1106.Correspondingly, the receiver 1110 includes an engagement surface 1108configured for abutting engagement with each protrusions 1106. Thereceiver may have a first end and a second end formed by the recesswall. The first end and second end may be shaped differently for bettersecurement of the projection into the receiver. The aperture or openingof the first end may be smaller than the aperture or opening of thesecond end as showed in FIG. 11. When the projection 1104 is pressedthrough, coupled or engaged to the receiver 1110, the elongatemechanisms is compressed through the first end. As the projection ispressed to reach the second end which having a bigger aperture or largerdiameter than the first end, the elongate mechanism may be recovered ordecompressed to couple to the receiver 1110. The engagement surface 1108and the recess wall may face a different direction. The protrusion 1106is locked, coupled, or contacted with the engagement surface 1108 sothat the protrusion is securely placed in the receiver. The contact maybe a point, line or area contact so that the protrusion is securelycoupled with the receiver.

As discussed above, the receivers (e.g., receiver 1110) may be disposedin a cover body in various locations or arrangements. In some aspects,the receiver is configured such that an inserted projection (e.g.,projection 1104) extends away from a back-side of the cover body, e.g.,wherein the back-side is opposite an interior cover surface of thecover. As further illustrated in the example environment 1100, theengagement surface (e.g., engagement surface 1108) may be configured toprovide a surface that faces in a direction different from a surfacedefining the recess wall. By way of example, the engagement surface 1108may face or substantially face toward a direction of an enclosedelectronic device (not illustrated in FIG. 11).

FIG. 12A shows a detailed view of a plurality of projections receivedwithin a plurality of receivers (receiver 1204, receiver 1206, receiver1208, and receiver 1210). The cover body section 1200 may accommodatevarious receivers engaged with a projection. As may be appreciated inthe cross section of the receiver 1210 receiving the projection 1104,the engagement surface 1108 is abutting engaged with the protrusion1106. The plurality of projections on the accessory may be arrangeddifferently in consideration of accessory securement. As an example ofthe arrangement of the plurality of projections, the projections in thereceivers 1210 and 1204 have the protrusions to securely coupled to thereceivers, whereas the projection in receiver 1206 lack the protrusionto lock on the receiver 1206. The additional projection without theprotrusion in the receiver 1206 may be used for security of a lateralmovement or an angular movement with other projection. As for theprojection with protrusion as in the receivers 1204 and 1210 may be usedfor limiting the lateral, angular, axial, or perpendicular movement. Thenumber of the projection with protrusion may be configured to fit theease of the attachment or detachment. As the number of the projectionswith protrusions increases, it is expected that the accessory is moresecure on the cover. The placement of the projections may be aconsideration, too. As shown in FIG. 12A, the receiver 1208 does nothave a corresponding projection from the accessory to be inserted into.The projection may be placed on the accessory to accommodate the weightdistribution of the accessory or the security requirement.

In some aspects, the number of the projections on the accessory may beless than the number of receivers on the cover. In other words, thenumber of receivers is more than the number of projections so that theaccessory may be moved from a different location on the cover or havinga second accessory attached to the cover at the same time. The accessorymay attach to a different location or an orientation on the cover byusing the same projection on the accessory to different receivers on thecover. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B the accessory may be moved froma first position to a second position by attaching a first set ofreceivers 1210 at the first position and attaching a second set ofreceivers 1211 at the second position. The first set of receivers 1210is different from the second set of receivers 1211 by at least onereceiver 1212. As the accessory moves further away from an originalposition, the first set of receivers used for attaching the cover andaccessory has more different receivers used. There may be a secondaccessory attached to the cover. The first accessory may attach to afirst side of the cover and the second accessory may attach to a secondside of the cover using a different set of receivers.

FIGS. 13-15 show various engagement arrangements for a matrix ofreceivers. The matrix of receivers 1300 may be secured to a cover with aprojection 1302 at four corners. As may be appreciated in FIG. 14, anadditional center projection 1402 may be employed in addition to theprojection 1302 at each of the four corners. As may be appreciated inFIG. 15, the remaining receivers of matrix of the receivers 1300 may besecured with the additional projections 1502. The shown arrangements aremerely illustrative, and it is within the scope of the disclosure toimplement any arrangement of the projections within matrix of thereceivers 1300.

FIGS. 16-20 show various projection embodiments. As may be appreciatedin FIG. 16, a projection 1600 is substantially circular and has aprotrusion 1602 extending around the circumference of the projection1600. As used herein, “substantially circular” may mean that theprojection 1600 may have a circular or semi-circular shape, such as anoval or oblong shape or any other shape. The shape of the projectionsmay correspond to the shape of the receivers on the cover. The shape ofthe protrusion 1602 may be different from the shape of the projection.The shape of the protrusion 1602 may correspond to the shape of theengagement surface mentioned above. As showed in FIG. 16, the shape ofthe projection 1600 is the same circular shape as that of the protrusion1602. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that otherprojection geometries may be implemented, without departing from thescope of the technology. By way of example, any of the projectionsimplemented herein (e.g., projection 1600) may include symmetricalshapes (e.g., a square or rectangular shape), as well as non-symmetricalshapes.

As may be appreciated in FIG. 17, a projection 1700 may have an aperture1702 formed in the center. As may be appreciated in FIG. 18, aprojection 1800 may have two substantially equal portions 1804 eachhaving a protrusion 1806 extending from the circumference and the centeraperture 1802. The center aperture 1802 may allow displacement ofsubstantially equal portions 1804 during securing and releasing of theprojection with a receiver. As may be appreciated in FIG. 19, aprojection 1900 may have two substantially semicircular portions 1902and only one of two portions has a protrusion 1904 extending therefrom.As may be appreciated in FIG. 20, a projection 2000 may have threesubstantially equal portions 2004 each having a protrusion 2002extending therefrom.

FIG. 21 shows an example engagement 2100 of a projection 2102 disposedwithin a receiver 2104. The example engagement 2100 includes theprojection 2102 engaged in the receiver 2104. A protrusion 2106 of theprojection 2102 may engage the engagement surface 2108 of the receiver2104. The projection 2102 may be engaged with a receiver with adifferent opening at a different end or engaged with a through holereceiver. The projection 2102 is compressed through the receiver 2104and decompresses at the end of the receiver and engaged on the surfaceof the cover via an engagement surface 2108. The projection describedabove and below may be engaged to a different kind of receiver to forman engagement of the cover and the accessory.

FIG. 22 shows an example engagement 2200 of a projection 2202 disposedwithin a receiver 2104. The projection 2202 has an aperture 2204 formedsubstantially in the center. The aperture 2204 may provide flexibilityand deflection of the projection 2202 during securing and releasing byallowing a protrusion 2106 to deflect inward toward aperture 2204.

FIG. 23 shows an example engagement 2300 of a projection 2302 engagedwith two receivers 2308. The projection 2302 includes protrusions 2304engaged in respective receivers 2308 (e.g., two adjacent receivers) ofan engagement surface or the surface of the cover 2306. Another exampleof a projection may be having the projection with a protrusion along oneside as one of the projection 2302 described in the FIG. 23. Theprojection may engage to only one side of the receiver and a secondprojection of the same shape with a different protrusion extends towarda different direction may be placed at a distance for engaging anotherreceiver.

FIG. 24 shows an example embodiment of a projection 2402 engaged with areceiver 2104. The example engagement 2400 includes the projection 2402engaged in a space of the receiver 2104. The projection 2402 disposed inthe receiver 2104 shown in FIG. 24 may be seen in FIG. 19 in uncoupledstate.

FIG. 25 to FIG. 28 shows a projection with various centers that makesout of a different material or a combination of materials. The center orcore may be composed of different materials to account for the rigidityof the projection and ease of the projection to engage with a receiver.FIG. 25 shows a projection 2500 having rigid material 2504 with asubstantially hollow center portion 2502. As the projection 2500 pressesor engages to a receiver, the projection is compressed toward the centerhollow portion 2502. The projection may be decompressed to engage to thereceiver in a secure manner.

FIG. 26 shows a projection 2600 having elastically deformable material2602. FIG. 27 shows projection 2700 formed from elastically deformablematerial 2602 disposed around rigid material core 2702. As theprojection 2700 presses or engages to a receiver, the projection iscompressed toward the rigid material core 2702. The projection may bedecompressed to engage to the receiver in a secure manner. FIG. 28 showsprojection 2800 formed from elastically deformable material 2602 withrigid material core 2702 having substantially hollow center 2802.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a secure pin arrangement 2900. The secure pinarrangement 2900 includes a projection 2906 with a substantially hollowcenter 2904 adapted to receive a secure pin 2902. The secure pin 2902may prevent inward deflection of protrusions 2910, thereby preventingremoval of the projection 2906 from the receiver 2908.

FIG. 31 shows a catch arrangement 3100 including a projection 3102having an engagement surface 3104 formed to engage with and a lockingstructure 3108 formed within a receiver 3106. The locking structure maybe a ball bearing installed in the receiver or latch structure that maybe coupled with the engagement surface 3104. The engagement surface 3104may be a concave surface on the projection 3102. The ball bearingstructure may be locked or coupled with the concave surface to securethe projection to the receiver. The engagement surface 3104 may be alocking structure such as a ball bearing or latch and the lockingstructure may be a concave surface. The receiver and the projection maybe coupled to each other vice versa.

FIG. 32 shows a releasable projection 3200 including an accessory 3202configured for alignment with a cover body 3204. The accessory 3202 mayhave a release mechanism 3206 configured for releasable engagementbetween the accessory 3202 and the cover body 3204.

FIGS. 33-35 show actuation of a releasable projection 3200. Thereleasable projection 3200 includes a projections 3302 of the accessory3202 configured for engagement with a receivers 3304 of the cover body3204. The projections 3302 may be transitioned within the receivers 3304by actuation of a release mechanism 3206. Compression of the releasemechanism 3206 transitions the projections 3302 within the receivers3304 from a secured position to an unsecured position (FIG. 34), therebydisengaging the protrusions 3306 from the cover body 3204.

The release mechanism 3206 may include a spring bias 3308 to bias arelease mechanism 3206 to the secured position. In the unsecuredposition (FIG. 34), the accessory 3202 may be decoupled from the coverbody 3204 (FIG. 35). While the biasing element is shown as a spring, itis within the scope of this disclosure to implement other biasingelements including, but not limited to, elastically deformable materialssuch as rubber.

FIGS. 36-39 show a slidable engagement 3600. The slidable engagement3600 for use with a cover 3606 includes a first layer 3604 and a secondlayer 3602. The second layer 3602 includes apertures 3608 formedcorresponding to the receivers 3610 of the first layer 3604. The secondlayer 3602 is slidable relative to the first layer 3604 providingalignment of the apertures 3608 with the corresponding receivers 3610.Transitioning the second layer 3602 to a receiving position (FIG. 37)allows receiving and engagement of one or more projection 3714 of theaccessory 3712 with the receivers 3610.

After engagement, the second layer 3602 is biased toward partialalignment with the apertures 3608 and the receivers 3610 (FIGS. 38 and39), thereby securing the accessory 3712 with the first layer 3604.

FIG. 40 shows a sliding arrangement 4000 having a first layer 4002 andtwo or more second layers 4004. The second layer 4004 may have apertures4006 corresponding to a row or column within matrix of receivers 4008.The apertures 4006 may align with any configuration or pattern of thereceivers beyond a row or column. Each second layer 4004 may betransitioned independent of the other second layer allowing oneaccessory to be coupled/decoupled from the cover 4010 withoutinterrupting the coupling of other accessories in adjacent rows orcolumns of the cover 4010. The second layer 4004 may be operating bycorresponding push buttons 4012 sliding the second layer 4004 relativeto the first layer 4002.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show a lock arrangement 4100 of an accessory 4102including a lock mechanism 4104. The lock mechanism 4104 may berotatable between an unlocked (FIG. 41A) and a locked position (FIG.41B). The unlocked position may allow compression of the lock mechanism4104, thereby allowing the accessory 4102 to decouple from the coverbody 4106. The locked position may prevent compression of the lockmechanism 4104, thereby preventing coupling or decoupling of theaccessory 4102 from the cover body 4106.

FIGS. 42-45 show rotatable an engagement mechanism 4200 configured toengage an accessory 4202 with a cover body 4206. The rotatableengagement mechanism 4200 includes a rotatable lock mechanism 4204transitionable between a secured position and a released position. Asmay be appreciated in FIG. 43, the rotatable engagement mechanism 4200may have one or more apertures 4304 formed in the cover body 4206 andaligned with one or more receiver 4306. The receiver 4306 is configuredto receive a protrusion 4302 of a projection 4308 in the securedposition (FIG. 43). As may be appreciated in FIG. 44, the rotatableengagement mechanism 4200 may be transitioned to the unsecured position,thereby rotating the protrusion 4302 (shown in FIG. 43) away from thereceiver 4306 and into the accessory 4202 (FIG. 45).

FIGS. 46 and 47 show a projection 4600 for engaging a receiver 4602including a protrusion 4604 and a depressible button 4606. Theprotrusion 4604 is secured within the receiver 4602 unless thedepressible button 4606 is compressed. As may be appreciated in FIG. 47,a lock pin 4702 may be disposed within the depressible button 4606 toprevent compression of the depressible button 4606. In at least oneembodiment, the lock pin 4702 has a non-standard shape (e.g., apentalobe) to prevent removal except by a user.

FIGS. 48-50 show an arrangement 4800 including a cover 4802 formed toengage each of receivers 4810 along a perimeter 4806 of a cover body4804. The cover 4802 may have a plurality of protrusions 4808 disposedalong edge and configured to be received in a plurality of receivers4810 disposed along perimeter 4806 of the cover body 4804.Alternatively, the protrusions 4808 may be disposed along the perimeter4806 of the cover body and the plurality of receivers 4810 may bedisposed along an edge of the cover 4802.

FIG. 51 shows an arrangement 5100 including at least one accessory 5102having attach covers 5104. The attach covers 5104 include receivers 5106to engage a plurality of projections 5110 of a latch 5108. Theprojections 5110 may couple two attach covers 5104, a cover 5104 and anaccessory, or two device accessories. In another example, an accessorymay include a plurality of receivers. A cover for an electronic devicemay also have a plurality of receivers. The cover and the accessory arecoupled to each other by having a securement device such as a latch, amember or a bar with a plurality of projections on both side facingtoward the accessory and cover. The accessory maybe attached or coupledto the securement device via the plurality of projections on thesecurement device and a plurality of receivers on the accessory. Thecombined accessory with the securement device may be coupled or attachedto the cover via the plurality of receivers on the cover and theplurality of protrusions on the securement device.

FIGS. 52A and 52B show an example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device.As shown in FIG. 52A, the cover 5204 may include cable 5206 that may beconnected to a port 5208 such as a USB port or an interface or a bus oran earplug port of an electronic device 5202 to provide power and datato the cover 5204. The cover 5204 may include internal wires thatconnect to a cable 5206 to one or more receivers on the cover 5204. Thismay allow the cover 5204 to be electronically coupled to a handheldelectronic device accessory that is mechanically coupled to the cover5204. In turn, the electronic device may communicate with the accessoryvia the cable connecting the cover and the port on the electronic device5202.

FIG. 52B shows the cover 5204 mechanically and electrically coupled tothe electronic device 5202. As shown, the cable 5206 has been connectedto the port 5208 of the handheld electronic device 5202 to provide powerand data to the cover 5204.

FIGS. 53A-53C show another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device.As shown in FIG. 53A, the cover 5302 is designed such that the handheldelectronic device 5304 may be slid into the cover 5302 to mechanicallycouple the cover 5302 to the handheld electronic device 5204. Further,the cover 5302 may include a plug 5306 protruding from the inside of thecover 5302. The plug 5306 may be connected to a port 5308 of thehandheld electronic device 5304 to electrically couple the cover 5302 tothe handheld electronic device 5304. The plug 5306 may be positionedwithin the cover 5304 such that the plug 5306 is aligned with the port5308 of the handheld electronic device 5304 when the handheld electronicdevice 5304 is mechanically coupled to the cover 5302.

FIG. 53B shows a handheld electronic device 5304 partially inserted intoa cover 5302. As shown, a plug 5306 is aligned with a port 5308 of thehandheld electronic device 5304. As a result, the plug 5306 will beinserted into a port 5308 when the handheld electronic device 5304 isfully inserted into the cover 5302.

FIG. 53C shows a cross section of a handheld electronic device 5304. Asshown the handheld electronic device 5304 is partially inserted into acover 5302. Further, a plug 5306 is aligned with a port 5208 of thehandheld electronic device 5304. As a result, the plug 5306 will beinserted into the port 5308 when the handheld electronic device 5304 isfully inserted into the cover 5302.

FIGS. 54A-54C show another example of a cover 5402 configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device5404. As shown in FIG. 54A, the cover 5402 may include a pogo pinconnector 5406. The pogo pin connector 5406 may be connected to a pogopin port 5408 of the handheld electronic device 5404 to electronicallycouple the handheld electronic device 5404 to the cover 5402. As shown,the pogo pin connector 5406 may be positioned on the cover 5402 suchthat the pogo pin connector 5406 is aligned with and connects to thepogo pin port 5408 when the handheld electronic device 5404 ismechanically coupled to the cover 5402.

FIG. 54B shows a handheld electronic device 5404 mechanically andelectronically coupled to a cover 5402. As shown, a pogo pin connector5406 of the cover 5402 is attached to a pogo pin port 5408 of thehandheld electronic device 5404, thereby electronically coupling thecover 5402 to the handheld electronic device 5404. This may allow powerand data to be passed between the cover 5402 and the handheld electronicdevice 5404.

FIG. 54C shows a cross section of a handheld electronic device 5404mechanically and electronically coupled to a cover 5402. As shown, apogo pin connector 5406 of the cover 5402 is attached to a pogo pin port5408 of the handheld electronic device 5404, thereby electronicallycoupling the cover 5402 to the handheld electronic device 5404. The pogopin port 5408 may be electronically coupled to the receivers of thecover 5402 via the pogo pin connector 5406.

FIGS. 55A and 55B show an example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to an accessory. FIG. 55A shows acover 5502 that includes a plurality of receivers 5504. Each receiver5504 may be configured to receive a projection of an accessory, therebyenabling the cover 5502 to be mechanically coupled to the accessory.

Further, one or more of the receivers 5504 may be configured to sharepower and/or data with an accessory to electronically couple a cover5502 to the accessory. For example, the cover 5502 may include internalwires that connect a cable or pogo pin connector (as shown in FIGS.53-55) to one or more receivers 5504. The internal wires may transmitpower and/or data received from a handheld electronic device that iselectronically coupled to the cove 5502 to connect the receivers 5504.The receivers 5504 may include one or more connector pins that may alignwith the connector pins on a projection of an accessory. Consequently,the cover 5502 may facilitate the transfer of data and/or power betweenthe accessory and the handheld electronic device, when the cover 5502 iselectronically coupled to both the handheld electronic device and theaccessory.

FIG. 55B shows one of receivers 5504 configured to be bothelectronically and mechanically coupled to an accessory. As shown, thereceiver 5504 includes four connector pins 5506, 5508, 5510 and 5512. Asshown, the connector pins 5506 and 5508 carry the differential datasignal, with the connector pin 5506 carrying the data+ signal and theconnector pin 5508 carrying the data− signal. The connector pins 5510and 5512 carry the power current, with the connector pin 5510 carryingthe power-supply and the connector pin 5512 providing a ground. Theconnector pins 5510 and 5512 may be positioned or placed on the recesswall 1004 or an engagement surface 1108 as in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. Theconnector pins may be electrodes that may be used to conduct data signalor power. The projection as described in FIG. 11 or FIG. 10 may alsohave corresponding electrodes to connect to the connector pins 5510 and5512. The electrode on the projection may be placed or positioned at theprotrusion or an elongate part of the protrusion of the projection asdescribed in FIG. 11 or 10.

A projection of an accessory may include corresponding connector pinsthat allow the accessory to be electronically coupled to a cover 5502.For example, a projection of the accessory may include connector pinspositioned to connect with two or more of connector pins 5506, 5508,5510 and 5512 when the accessory is mechanically coupled to the cover5502. The projection of the accessory may include just two connectorpins to carry either the power current or data differential signal.Alternatively, the projection of the accessory may include four pins tocarry both the power current and the differential data signal.

FIGS. 56A-56D show another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to an accessory. FIG. 56A shows acover 5602 that includes first receivers 5604 configured to carry apower current and second receivers 5606 configured to carry adifferential data signal. Accordingly, an accessory must be electricallycoupled to at least one of the first receivers 5604 and one of thesecond receives 5606 to share both power and data. An accessory may,however, be electrically coupled to only one of either the firstreceivers 5604 or the second receivers 5606 to share either power ordata, respectively. Further, while a specific configuration of the firstreceivers 5604 and the second receivers 5606 is presented, this is onlyone example configuration and it should be readily apparent that any ofa number of alternative configurations including the first receivers5604 and/or the second receivers 5606 may be used.

FIG. 56B shows one of the first receivers 5604. As shown, the firstreceiver 5604 includes four connector pins 5608, 5610, 5612 and 5614.The connector pins 5608 and 5610 carry the power current and theconnector pins 5612 and 5614 provide the ground. In this type ofconfiguration, a projection of an accessory must include at least twoconnector pins to be electrically coupled to the cover 5602 via thefirst receiver 5604. For example, the accessory would have to have atleast a first connector pin connected to one of the connector pins 5608or 5610 and a second connector pin connected to one of the connectorpins 5612 or 5614.

FIG. 56C shows one of the second receivers 5606. As shown, the secondreceiver 5606 includes four connector pins 5616, 5618, 5620 and 5622.The connector pins 5618 and 5620 may carry the data+ signal and theconnector pins 5616 and 5622 may carry the data− signal. In this type ofconfiguration, a projection of an accessory must include at least twoconnector pins to be electrically coupled to the cover 5602 via thesecond receiver 5606. For example, the accessory would have to have atleast a first connector pin connected to one of the connector pins 5618or 5620 and a second connector pin connected to one of the connectorpins 5616 or 5622.

FIG. 56D shows another configuration of a cover 5602. The cover 5602 mayinclude a configuration of receivers to each provide a differentfunction. For example, the receivers 5624 may provide power, thereceivers 5626 may provide data and receivers 5628 may provide a ground.As shown, the configuration may be mirrored between the bottom and tophalf of the cover 5602. This may allow two or more accessories to beeasily electrically coupled to the cover 5602.

FIGS. 57A-57C show another example of a cover configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to an accessory. As shown in FIG.57A, the cover 5702 may include the first receivers 5704 configured tocarry a power current and the second receivers 5706 configured to carrya differential data signal. Accordingly, an accessory must beelectrically coupled to at least one of the first receivers 5704 and oneof the second receives 5706 to share both power and data. An accessorycan, however, be electrically coupled to only one of either the firstreceivers 5704 or the second receivers 5706 to share either power ordata, respectively. Further, while a specific configuration of the firstreceivers 5704 and the second receivers 5706 is presented, this is onlyone example configuration and it should be readily apparent that any ofa number of alternative configurations including the first receivers5704 and/or the second receivers 5706 may be used without departing fromthe scope of the subject technology.

FIG. 57B shows one of the first receivers 5704. As shown, the firstreceiver 5704 includes four connector pins 5708, 5710, 5712 and 5714.The connector pins 5708 and 5710 carry the power current and connectorpins 5712 and 5714 provide the ground. In this type of configuration, aprojection of an accessory must include at least two connector pins tobe electrically coupled to the cover 5702 via the first receiver 5704.For example, the accessory would have to have at least a first connectorpin connected to one of the connector pins 5708 or 5710 and a secondconnector pin connected to one of the connector pins 5712 or 5714.

FIG. 57C shows one of receivers 5706. As shown, the second receiver 5706includes four connector pins 5716, 5718, 5720 and 5722. The connectorpins 5718 and 5720 may carry the data+ signal (e.g., D+), whereas theconnector pins 5716 and 5722 may carry the data− signal (e.g., D−). Inthis type of configuration, a projection of an accessory must include atleast two connector pins to be electrically coupled to the cover 5702via the second receiver 5706. For example, the accessory would have tohave at least a first connector pin connected to one of the connectorpins 5718 or 5720 and a second connector pin connected to one of theconnector pins 5716 or 5722.

FIG. 58 shows a cross section of an accessory mechanically andelectrically coupled to a cover. As shown, the accessory 5802 includes afirst projection 5808 and a second projection 5806. The secondprojection 5806 includes a hooked end to mechanically couple theaccessory 5802 to the cover 5804. In contrast, the first projection 5808does not include a hooked end, but does include connector pins 5810,5812, 5814 and 5816 to electronically couple the accessory 5802 to thecover 5804. As shown, each of connector pins 5810, 5812, 5814 and 5816align with one of the connector pins 5818, 5820, 5822 and 5824 of thecover 5804 when the first projection 5808 is fully inserted into areceiver 5826.

FIG. 59 shows a cross section of another example of an accessorymechanically and electronically coupled to a handheld electronic devicecover. As show, a projection 5902 includes a hooked end to mechanicallycouple an accessory to a handheld electronic device cover. Theprojection 5902 further includes connector pins 5904 and 5906 toelectrically couple the accessory to a handheld electronic device cover.As shown, the connector pins 5904 and 5906 align with the connector pins5908 and 5910 when the projection 5902 is fully inserted into a receiver5912.

FIG. 60 shows a cross section of another example of an accessorymechanically and electronically coupled to a cover. As shown, aprojection 6002 includes a hooked end to mechanically couple theaccessory to the cover. The projection 6002 further includes connectorpins 6004, 6006, 6008 and 6010 to electrically couple the accessory tothe cover. As shown, the connector pins 6004 and 6006 are positioned onthe outside of the projection 6002 and the connector pins 6008 and 6010are positioned on the inside of the projection 6002. A receiver 6012includes connector pins 6014 and 6016 positioned on an outer edge of thereceiver 6012 to align with the connector pins 6004 and 6006,respectively, when the projection 6002 is fully inserted into thereceiver 6012.

The receiver 6012 further includes connector pins 6018 and 6020positioned on an inside post of the receiver 6012. The connector pins6018 and 6020 may be positioned to align with the connector pins 6008and 6010, respectively, when the projection 6002 is fully inserted intothe receiver 6012.

FIG. 61 shows an accessory mechanically and electrically coupled to acover. As shown, the accessory 6102 is mechanically and electricallycoupled to the cover 6104. The cover 6104 may also be mechanically andelectrically coupled to the handheld electronic device 6106.Consequently, the cover 6104 may facilitate the transfer of data and/orpower between the accessory 6102 and the handheld electronic device6106. As shown, the cover 6104 is an external battery that may provideadditional battery life to the handheld electronic device 6106.

FIG. 62A shows a selfie stick accessory assembly 6200. The selfie stickaccessory assembly 6200 includes a selfie stick accessory 6202 mountedto a cover body 202. The selfie stick accessory 6202 may have a mountingportion 6204 configured to engage the cover. The mounting portion 6204may include a pivotal joint 6206 configured to allow adjustment of theangle and orientation of the cover body 202 relative to the selfie stickaccessory 6202.

FIG. 62B shows a selfie stick accessory 6202. A mounting portion 6204may include projections 6206 capable of coupling with and engaging acover. The projections 6206 may be received in one or more receiversdisposed on, a cover body thereby mechanically and electrically coupleto the selfie stick accessory 6202 with the cover body. The selfie stickaccessory 6202 may further include a button 6208 configured to operateone or more functions (e.g., camera) of an electronic device disposedwithin the cover body. In other embodiments, the selfie stick accessory6202 may only mechanically couple with the cover body and implementwireless coupling (e.g., Bluetooth) to operate one or more functions ofan electronic device.

FIG. 62C shows a selfie stick accessory assembly 6200 having a slidingbase 6210 having a tri-pod disposed therein. The tri-pod may have threebase legs 6212 biased to expand upon transitioning of the sliding base6210 toward a cover body. Transitioning sliding base 6210 away from thecover body retracts the base legs 6212, thus allowing the sliding base6210 to be disposed over and/or around the base legs 6212 for storage.

FIG. 63 shows an octopus grip accessory 6300. The octopus grip accessory6300 may provide three base legs 6302, each having individualadjustability. Base legs 6302 may be positioned as a traditionaltri-pod, or used to couple the device accessory by wrapping around abeam or tubular support, hanging from a ceiling, or hook. The base legs6302 may also be adjusted to adjust angle, orientation, or position ofthe cover body relative to a user. The octopus grip accessory 6300 mayalso include a ball joint 6304 to provide further adjustability withrespect to the cover body.

FIG. 64 shows an automobile attachment stand configured to bemechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic devicecover. As shown, the cover 6402 is mechanically coupled to an automobileattachment stand 6404. The automobile attachment stand 6404 may includeattachment element 6406, which may include one or more attachmentmembers to mechanically and electrically couple to the receiver of thecover 6402.

The automobile attachment stand 6404 may connect the cover 6402 to thebase 6408 via an arm 6410. As shown, the arm 6410 may allow thepositioning of the cover 6402 to be adjusted. Further, the automobileattachment stand 6404 may be coupled to a user's automobile to sharedata and power with a handheld electronic device mechanically andelectrically coupled to the automobile attachment stand 6404.

FIGS. 65A-65C show an accessory controller configured to be mechanicallyand/or electrically coupled to a handheld electronic device cover. Asshown in FIG. 65A, the accessory controller 6502 (such as a gamecontroller) may include a directional controller 6506 and buttons 6504.The controller 6506 and the buttons 6504 may be configured to cause ortrigger specified commands to be performed on a handheld electronicdevice when electrically or wirelessly coupled to the handheldelectronic device as described in FIG. 55A to FIG. 60. Further, theaccessory controller 6502 may include attach members 6502 that enablethe accessory controller 6502 to be mechanically and/or electricallycoupled to a handheld electronic device cover. As shown in FIG. 65B, theaccessory controller 6502 may be expandable. This may allow theaccessory controller 6502 to be adjusted to properly fit a user'spreference when using the buttons 6504 and the controller 6506, as wellas to allow the accessory controller 6502 to work with varying sizes andmodels of the handheld electronic devices. The accessory controller mayfurther include a wireless module/device to wirelessly communicate witha wireless module/device in the electronic device. The data and commandsmay be wirelessly transmitted from the controller to the electronicdevice.

FIG. 66 shows a camera controller mechanically and/or electricallycoupled to a handheld electronic device cover. As shown, the cameracontroller 6604 is mechanically and/or electronically coupled to thecover 6602. This may allow data and power to be shared between thecamera controller 6604 and the handheld electronic device that iselectrically coupled to the cover 6602 as described in FIG. 55A to FIG.60. The camera controller 6604 may include scroll wheel 6608 that may beconfigured to control a zoom of the camera of a handheld electronicdevice. Further, the camera controller 6604 may include a button 6610configured to cause a camera of the handheld electronic device to snap apicture. Finally, an external lens 6606 may be mechanically coupled tothe cover 6602 to enhance the camera lens of a handheld electronicdevice. For example, external lens 6606 may be coupled to the cover 6602to be aligned with the camera lens of the handheld electronic device.The camera controller 6604 may further include a wireless module/deviceto wirelessly communicate with a wireless module/device in theelectronic device. The data and commands from a button, a roller, or ashutter controller may be wirelessly transmitted from the cameracontroller to the electronic device via the wireless module/device inthe electronic device to the wireless module in the camera controller.

FIGS. 67A and 67B illustrate an example embodiment of a cover 6700coupled with a card holder 6702. The card holder 6702 has an entry slot6704 to receive the one or more cards 6706 into a receiving space 6708.The card holder 6702 may be configured to removably receive one or moreobjects (e.g., cards 6706) including, but not limited to, driverslicenses, identification cards, credit cards, and/or hotel keys, etc.The card holder 6702 may have a tension member 6710 disposed within thereceiving space 6708 to secure the one or more cards 6706 within thecard holder 6702. In at least one embodiment, the tension member 6710may be a tongue configured to displace as cards 6706 are received withinthe receiving space 6708. In other embodiments, the tension member 6710may be a spring biased element, a high friction surface, or anycombination thereof. As may be appreciated in FIG. 67B, the card holder6702 may have a tension lid 6712 configured to cover the entry slot 6704and secure cards 6706 within the receiving space 6708. As may further beappreciated in FIG. 67B, the card holder 6702 may receive coins,jewelry, or any other article smaller than the receiving space 6708.

FIGS. 68A and 68B illustrates an example embodiment of a cover 6800coupled with an arm strap 6802. The arm strap 6802 may have a couplingportion 6804 configured to receive and engage with the cover 6800. Thearm strap 6802 may be an elastic material to provide compressive fitaround a user's arm, or may include a hook and loop fastener strap toallow adjustment by an individual user. In other embodiments, the armstrap 6802 may have a slide tensioner configured to adjust the size to apredetermined size.

FIGS. 69A and 69B illustrate an accessory electrical chargermechanically and electrically coupled to a handheld electronic devicecover. FIG. 69A shows a front view of a handheld electronic device 6902mechanically and electrically coupled to an electrical charger 6904 viathe cover 6906. FIG. 69B shows a back view of the handheld electronicdevice 6902 mechanically and electrically coupled to the electricalcharger 6904 via the cover 6906. As shown, the electrical charger 6904includes electrical prongs to enable the electrical charger 6904 to beplugged directly into a power outlet to charge the handheld electronicdevice 6902.

FIG. 70 illustrates multiple accessories electrically and mechanicallycoupled to a cover. As shown, the cover 7002 is mechanically and/orelectrically coupled to an external battery 7004, a camera controller7006 and an external lens 7008.

FIG. 71 illustrates a handheld electronic device mechanically andelectrically coupled to a wireless charging accessory. As shown, thehandheld electronic device 7102 may be mechanically and electricallycoupled to a wireless charging accessory 7104 via a cover 7106. Thewireless charging accessory 7104 may be placed on or near charging pad7108 to charge the handheld electronic device 7102.

FIG. 72 illustrates a handheld electronic device mechanically andelectrically coupled to a speaker accessory. As shown, the handheldelectronic device 7202 may be electrically coupled to a speakeraccessory 7204. The speaker accessory 7204 may include a first speaker7209 and a second speaker 7208, which are positioned on opposite sidesof the handheld electronic device 7202 to provide stereo sound.

FIG. 73 illustrates an example embodiment of a cover 7300 coupled withan ear bud holder 7302. The ear bud holder 7302 may have opposing ends7304, 7306 around which a headphone cord 7308 may be wrapped. The Earbud holder 7302 may also be configured to receive a power cord, or anyother cable desired to be stored with the handheld electronic devicecover.

FIGS. 74A and 74B illustrate a handheld electronic device mechanicallyand electrically coupled to a keyboard accessory. FIG. 74A shows a rearview of the keyboard accessory 7402. As show, the keyboard accessory7402 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the cover 7404.Further, the keyboard accessory 7402 may include an adjustable keyboardtray that may be pulled out from a body portion of the keyboardaccessory 7402. FIG. 74B shows a front view of the keyboard accessory7402. As shown, the adjustable keyboard tray includes a keyboard thatbecomes available when the adjustable keyboard tray is pulled away fromthe body portion of the keyboard accessory 7402.

FIG. 75 illustrates an example embodiment of a cover 7500 with a lanyard7502. The lanyard 7502 may have a latch mechanism 7504 configured toengage with a corresponding latch mechanism 7506 disposed on the cover.The latch mechanism 7504 and a corresponding latch mechanism 7506 may bea male-female arrangement, tongue and groove arrangement, or anycoupleable arrangement providing secure detachable coupling of thelanyard 7502 with the handheld electronic device cover.

FIGS. 76A and 76B illustrate an example embodiment of a cover 7600having a suction cup attachment 7602. The suction cup attachment 7602may have a suction cup 7604 facing opposite of the cover 7600 andconfigured to engage surfaces such as walls, windows, glass, or othersmooth surfaces. Suction cup 7604 releasably secures the cover 7600 toany smooth surface.

FIGS. 77A and 77B illustrate an example embodiment of a cover 7700having a shock protection arrangement 7702. The shock protectionarrangement 7702 may be disposed around the edges of the cover 7700 toprevent damage to the cover and the handheld electronic device receivedtherein. The shock protection arrangement 7702 may be two separateportions each coupled with the cover 7700 and disposed around eachcorner of the cover 7700. In other embodiment, the shock protectionarrangement 7702 may be one, three, four or more pieces configured toprovide the cover 7700 with shock protection from environmental dangerssuch as dropping. The shock protection arrangement 7702 may be formedfrom a shock absorbing material such as a rubber, a latex, and polymers.

FIG. 78 illustrates functional buttons mechanically and electricallycoupled to a handheld electronic device cover. The functional buttons7802 may be physical buttons that may be configured to perform aspecified function when actuated, such as by being pressed, selected,tapped, etc. For example, the functional button 7802 may be configuredto toggle BLUETOOTH® on/off, toggle WiFi on/off, lock/unlock a screen,etc. The functional buttons 7802 may be electrically coupled with ahandheld electronic device 7804 via a cover 7806 to power the functionalbuttons 7802 and/or communicate with the handheld electronic device toconfigure the functional buttons 7802 and notify the handheld electronicdevice 7804 that a functional button 7802 has been actuated. In someembodiments, the functional buttons 7802 may be configured tocommunicate with the handheld electronic device 7804 via a wirelesscommunication module or device, such as through use of BLUETOOTH®.

FIG. 79 illustrates a secondary display accessory 7902 mechanicallyand/or electronically coupled to a handheld electronic device 7904. Asshown, the secondary display accessory 7902 may be mechanically andelectronically coupled to a handheld electronic device 7904 via a cover7906. The secondary display accessory 7902 may provide a user with avarying size or type of the display, such as an e-ink display or alarger display to view movie or other videos.

FIG. 80 illustrates a stylus 8002 mechanically and/or electricallycoupled to a handheld electronic device. As shown, the stylus 8002 maybe mechanically and/or electronically coupled to a handheld electronicdevice 8004 via a cover 8006. The stylus 8002 may provide a user with atool to interact with a touch screen of the handheld electronic device8004. In some embodiments, the stylus 8002 may be only mechanicallycoupled to the handheld electronic device 8004. Alternatively, thestylus 8002 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the handheldelectronic device 8004 to share data and/or provide the stylus 8002 withpower.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure asset forth in the claims.

The description of the subject technology is provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments describedherein. While the subject technology has been particularly describedwith reference to the various figures and embodiments, it should beunderstood that these are for illustration purposes only and should notbe taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, many changesand modifications may be made to the subject technology, by one havingordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of thesubject technology.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Theterm “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headingsand subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subjecttechnology, and are not referred to in connection with theinterpretation of the description of the subject technology. Allstructural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousembodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by thesubject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure isexplicitly recited in the above description.

It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged, or that only aportion of the illustrated steps be performed. Some of the steps may beperformed simultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances,multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, theseparation of various system components in the embodiments describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allembodiments, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems may generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.”

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Aphrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and viceversa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that suchconfiguration is essential to the subject technology or that suchconfiguration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations,or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration mayrefer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example orillustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for a handheld electronic deviceconfigured to couple with an accessory for the handheld electronicdevice, the cover comprising: a cover body comprising an attachmentarea, the attachment area comprising a plurality of receivers, andwherein each respective receiver of the plurality of receivers comprisesa space recessed into the cover body that is bounded, at leastpartially, by a recess wall, and wherein the accessory couples with thecover body via a first set of receivers of the plurality of receivers ata first position and the accessory is moved to a second position andcouples with the cover body via a second set of receivers of theplurality of receivers, and wherein the first set of receivers comprisesat least one receiver different from the second set of receivers.
 2. Thecover of claim 1, wherein the plurality of receivers is arranged in oneof: (i) a matrix of rows and columns, and (ii) a lattice pattern.
 3. Thecover of claim 1, further comprising an accessory coupled to the coverbody, wherein the accessory comprises a plurality of projections, andwherein each respective receiver of the plurality of receivers comprisesa respective engagement surface configured for adjoining a respectiveprojection when the respective projection is disposed in a securedconfiguration within the respective receiver.
 4. The cover of claim 1,wherein the cover body further comprises a base and at least onesidewall extending away from the base, the at least one sidewall beingshaped to substantially conform to the handheld electronic device andthe at least one sidewall comprising the attachment area with theplurality of receivers.
 5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the accessoryfurther comprises a plurality of projections and wherein each respectiveprojection of the projections is substantially circular and extends awayfrom a surface of the accessory and has a protrusion configured toengage an engagement surface.
 6. The cover of claim 5, wherein at leastone of the receivers of the plurality of receivers further comprises aplurality of electrodes coupleable with the projection of the accessory.7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the cover body further comprises atleast one circuit coupleable with the plurality of electrodes, whereinthe at least one circuit is configured to be electrically coupled withthe handheld electronic device.
 8. A cover assembly for a handheldelectronic device, the cover assembly comprising: a cover bodycomprising an attachment area, the attachment area comprising aplurality of receivers, each respective receiver of the plurality ofreceivers comprising a space recessed into the cover body that isbounded, at least partially, by a recess wall; and an accessorycomprising a plurality of projections, the accessory configured to becoupled to the attachment area at a first position via a first set ofreceivers of the plurality of receivers with the plurality ofprojections, and wherein the accessory is further configured to becoupled to the attachment area at a second position via a second set ofreceivers of the plurality of receivers with the plurality ofprojections, and wherein the first set of receivers comprises at leastone receiver different from the second set of receivers.
 9. The coverassembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of receivers is arranged inone of: a matrix of rows and columns, or a lattice pattern; and whereinthe plurality of projections is arranged in one of: a matrix of rows andcolumns, or a lattice pattern corresponding with the plurality ofreceivers.
 10. The cover of claim 8, wherein at least one respectiveprojection of the plurality of projections further comprises a pluralityof first electrodes and at least one respective receiver of theplurality of receivers further comprises a plurality of secondelectrodes for contacting with the plurality of first electrodes. 11.The cover assembly of claim 8, wherein the accessory is configured to beattached to the cover body in a first orientation via the first set ofreceivers, and attached to the cover body in a second orientation viathe second set of receivers.
 12. The cover assembly of claim 8, whereineach respective receiver of the plurality of receivers comprises anengagement surface configured for adjoining with the plurality ofprojections associated with the accessory when the plurality ofprojections is disposed in a secured configuration.
 13. The coverassembly of claim 12, wherein at least one respective projection of theplurality of projections is substantially circular and extends upwardaway from a surface of the accessory, and wherein at least onerespective projection of the plurality of projections comprises aprotrusion configured to abut the engagement surface.
 14. The coverassembly of claim 8, wherein a total number of the plurality ofprojections is greater than a total number of the plurality of receiversin the attachment area.
 15. The cover assembly of claim 10, wherein theaccessory further comprises a power source coupled with the plurality offirst electrodes, and wherein the cover body further comprises at leastone circuit configured for connecting with the plurality of secondelectrodes, the accessory providing power via the plurality of firstelectrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the at least onecircuit.
 16. The cover assembly of claim 8, wherein the accessory is akickstand, the kickstand comprising a first end and a second end,wherein the plurality of projections is disposed at the first end, andwherein the kickstand is transitionable between an extended positionextending away from the attachment area at the second end, and aunextended position wherein the kickstand is substantially flush withthe attachment area, and wherein the kickstand is configured forsupporting the cover body and the handheld electronic device via atleast one of the plurality of projections and at least one of theplurality of receivers.
 17. A cover system comprising: a handheldelectronic device; a cover body configured to be attached to a handheldelectronic device, the cover body comprising an attachment area, theattachment area comprising a plurality of receivers, each respectivereceiver of the plurality of receivers comprising a space recessed intothe cover body that is bounded, at least partially, by a recess wall;and an accessory comprising a plurality of projections, wherein theaccessory is configured to be coupled to the attachment area at a firstposition via a first set of receivers and a first set of projections,and the accessory is further configured to be coupled to the attachmentarea at a second position via a second set of receivers, wherein thefirst set of receivers comprises at least one receiver different fromthe second set of receivers.
 18. The cover system of claim 17, whereinthe handheld electronic device has a first wireless module, theaccessory further comprises a second wireless module and a controller,and wherein the first wireless module and the second wireless module areconfigured to be wirelessly connected to facilitate a transfer of databetween the handheld electronic device and the accessory.
 19. The coversystem of claim 17, wherein the accessory further comprises a connectorfor connecting the accessory with the handheld electronic device forfacilitating data or power transfer between the handheld electronicdevice and the accessory.
 20. The cover system of claim 17, wherein thecover body further comprises a connector for connecting the cover bodywith the handheld electronic device for facilitating data or powertransfer between the handheld electronic device and the cover body. 21.The cover system of claim 17, wherein at least one respective receiverof the plurality of receivers further comprises a plurality of firstelectrodes and at least one circuitry for connecting the plurality offirst electrodes in the cover body to the handheld electronic device,wherein at least one respective projection of the plurality ofprojections of the accessory further comprises a plurality of secondelectrodes, the accessory configured for being connected with thehandheld electronic device via the contact of the first electrode, thesecond electrode and the circuitry to facilitate a data transfer betweenthe accessory and the handheld electronic device.